#everyone can thank deans-ch-ch-cherrypie for that gif

[runnning-outof-time]

So this is set up a little different because for some reason the reply was blocking the gif I wanted to use and it was frustrating me.

@deans-ch-ch-cherrypie thanks so much for the love!! I hope you enjoy! ☺️💕

*I’m Celebrating 1K Followers...thanks for the love!

Don’t Go Just Yet

Warnings: language, smoking, mentions of violence (typical to series)

This takes place in the snug at the Garrison. All of the brothers are there as well as (Y/N), who is cozied up next to John. They’re playing cards and having an all around good time...until someone interrupts them.

“I told you that was my fucking move!” John yells across the table at Arthur, who was still harping on him about the card he’d put down two turns ago.

“Yeah well you didn’t fuckin’ do it right,” Arthur shoots back, making John groan and tip his head back against the booth as he blows out the smoke from the cigar he was smoking.

“Can we just drop it and play the game?” Tommy questions from his seat at the opposite side of the table. He’s now getting a bit aggrivated by his brothers’ bickering, but (Y/N)’s laughing at it. She finds it rather amusing.

“Deal the hand, Finn,” Arthur says to his younger brother, his words coming out as a grumble to show that he was still displeased with John’s doings.

Finn listens and deals out the cards, but the door to the snug opens before the new round can begin. Everyone’s heads turn to see Isiah Jesus standing in the doorway, taking deep breaths as he tries to calm his breathing down. It’s obvious that he was in a hurry to get there.

“What’s wrong, Isiah?” Arthur’s the one to ask the question on everyone’s mind.

“We found that man. He’s been dealt with, but he’s got other men behind him who are going to be looking for retaliation,” Isiah explains, his eyes focused on Tommy since he was the leader of the operation.

Tommy nods his head before he looks over to his brothers. “John, Arthur, go out with the boys and see to it that those other men either die or change their mind on retaliating,” he says and the other men nod, agreeing to the order without questioning it. It was just something you get used to as a member of the Blinders.

Arthur manages to get out of his side of the booth easily, but John’s got (Y/N) in the way, and she’s not moving easily. “(Y/N),” John mutters, hoping she will take the hint and move.

“You can’t leave without giving me a kiss, John,” she tells him, laying down her demand outright.

John looks away from her as he purses his lips. He notices that the men in the room are trying to stifle their laughter, and realizes that he’ll probably be hearing about this for the next few weeks, so he turns back to (Y/N) and presses his lips to hers in a short kiss. “Good now?” he asks her once they pull away.

“Yes,” she nods with a smile.

“Can I get out?” John asks another question when she didn’t move.

“Yes, you can,” she answers with a smile as she stands from the booth to let him out. He reaches forward and stubs out his cigar in the ashtray before getting out from the booth. “Be careful,” she tells him, stealing one more kiss before he leaves her side and follows Arthur and Isiah out the door.

(Y/N), not seeing any reason to be in the snug anymore now that her boyfriend was gone, says goodbye to Tommy and Finn, who had every intention of carrying on their card game in peace now that the two bickering men were gone.

[zablife]

I'm celebrating 600 followers and I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has supported me by reading, commenting and reblogging my work. I never expected to meet so many amazing content creators when I posted my first fic and I'm so grateful. I hope you will participate in some way as I love engaging with all of you!

Banner: @sunsetmourners. Tysm for lending your talent! /Divider: @firefly-graphics

☎️ Reference desk: Request character headcanons. Choose character as a professor/student/roommate. (If you can find the character on my masterlist I will write for them.)

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Tagging some mutuals under the cut:

@retromafia, @runnning-outof-time, @shelbydelrey, @look-at-the-soul, @celticmelody, @theshelbyclan, @christinasyellowflowers,@solomons-finest-rum,@mrs-gray,@madame-wilsonn,@holacia2, @the-makingsofgreatness, @flysafepapi, @notyour-valentine, @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie, @gilmoreslorelai, @magicalxdaydream, @peakyswritings, @tommydoesntpayforsuits, @michaelgraysmustache, @xxblackballoonxx, @l1-l4, @sunsetmourners, @toms-cherry-trees

Banner credit: @sunsetmourners. Tysm for lending your amazing talent, babes!

Divider credit: @firefly-graphics

[mrsalwayswrite]

A Shelby Mistress - Part 4

Here it is, lovelies! The final part! A huge thank you again to everyone who has liked/commented/reblogged this story. Y’all are the best! Let me know what you think about the ending! 

Words: 3800

Warnings: some swearing, smut(ish), fluff, Aunt Polly is a gem (and no one can convince me otherwise)

Tag List: @geekandbooknerd​ @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie​ @webreathfandoms​ @slytherinicequeen​ @20th-centu-fairy-girl​ @kasaikawa​ @namelesslosers​

Catch up here -> Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Series Masterlist

The walk down Watery Lane was as familiar once again as the way to your own home, possibly even more so. 

 Pushing open the door to the betting shop, the sounds and smells assaulted you, bringing a smile to your face. That sharp scent of whiskey and smoke, now tinged with male sweat, was the first for you to notice. Then the sounds of people yelling numbers and calling bets came next. The upcoming weekend held a race at Cheltenham, so people were already trickling in to place their bets. You knew that come Friday, the betting shop would be swamped with people fresh from receiving their paychecks and ready to gamble it away. 

 Over the past eight months you found yourself coming to Watery Lane more and more often. On your days off of work, Polly had convinced you to come have tea and lunch with her, so the two of you could chat. Other days, you would swing by to drop off a stew or cake you made, much to everyone's enthusiasm.  

 Somehow your life had become further entwined with the Shelby family as each month passed. A fact you did not mind. If anything, they had begun to feel like extended family, welcoming you and your sisters with open arms. 

You and Tommy still regularly met twice a week at the hotel for your arrangement, if not more, depending on if he came for you. A handful of times he had shown up in the middle of the night at your home, dark bags under his eyes and a haunted look that told you the memories of tunnels and shovels followed his every step and preyed upon his mind like vultures. Quietly, you would bring him up to your room and just hold him, sometimes humming softly, as he clung to you like his only lifeline. Neither one of you would say a word as eventually the both of you would fall asleep, finding solace in one another’s arms. 

 There were other times he showed up at your home with an undeniable hunger and need in his icy, blue eyes that sent flames licking through your veins before he even laid a finger on you. Those were the times he both worshiped and destroyed you; as if he was Hades and you were Persephone, come to seduce you to stay forever with him, to be the queen of his darkness. 

 The times he came to your house, you refused to take his money, forcing him to finally concede and stop trying to pay you. Instead he began to provide in other ways- making sure you and your sisters always had enough coal, or you never lacked in groceries. One time your youngest sister got sick and Tommy paid her entire doctor bill without telling you. After that, whenever he spent the night, the next morning he would leave a piece of candy on the kitchen table for both of your sisters, leaving as the sun was just rising. It did not take long for your sisters to look forward to his late-night visits. 

 With the extra money from your arrangement, your middle sister was attending nursing school, all of her free time now split between friends and her time at the hospital. Your youngest sister was still in school, but since you found yourself at Watery Lane so often, she would tag along and spend most of her free time with Finn, Isaiah and John's kids. 

 Never before had you and your sisters been so happy. A debt you could never repay. 

 And you knew exactly who you owed it to. 

 "Y/n! Did you bring me a cake?" Was your greeting as you stepped into view in the betting shop. 

 "John, I just brought one yesterday!"

 "Well, it's gone. Arthur fuckin' ate it all." 

 You smiled and shook your head as you walked over to the table John was leaning over, having been studying some account books. "Did your kids get any?"

 "Was I supposed to share it with them?" He asked with a mock innocence. 

 "Fine!" You sighed. "I'll try to bring one tomorrow or the day after! Make sure you share this time."

 He winked at you; the toothpick in his mouth at the furthest corner as he smiled. "Have I mentioned I love you lately?"

 You laughed at his frequent comment, patting him on the back as you walked by. "Yesterday when I brought the cake." 

 You heard him chuckle as you meandered over to Polly, who sat at the next table with a newspaper in front of her and an empty cup of tea. 

 "What are you doing here, love?"

 Running a hand over your new dress, you shrugged. "Finn came and got me from the house. Said Tommy wanted to speak to me." 

 "Did he now?" She leaned back in her chair, a twinkle of mischief and knowing in her eyes. 

 You tilted your head slightly as you looked at the older woman. "Do you know what it's about?"

 "I have my suspicions." She replied smugly, putting you on edge. Before you could press for an actual answer, she changed the topic. "Caleb been around lately?" 

 You groaned, shifting to sit on the edge of the desk, as she laughed at your reaction. Several months ago, the crush Caleb had on you became more apparent. He had saved you from some drunks and was kind enough to walk with you as you finished your shopping. That was the day you also met Arthur and John. Since that day, if Caleb happened to see you, he always made a point to greet you and chat for a few minutes or offer to help if you were doing something. You personally found it quite sweet and you enjoyed his company. It was all innocent. Caleb would never try anything with you, the retaliation from Tommy was enough to deter the thought of even trying. Sometimes you wondered if Caleb was hanging around in hopes that whenever you and Tommy's relationship ended, he could step in. With the way things had been progressing between you and Tommy, you doubted that would be anytime soon. 

 What amused you the most of the whole situation was that because of how often Caleb walked you home or stopped by to check on you, your middle sister had developed her own crush on him. Whenever he came around, she would blush and sputter, trying to maintain some resemblance of composure. Usually failing miserably, though. 

 "Caleb stopped by the day before yesterday." You answered honestly to Polly. "He had offered to fix the busted window, that one the neighbor kid threw the ball through, right? Well, I forgot to tell Leah he’d be staying for dinner. So, she comes home from her classes and is horrified that I didn’t give her a heads up before she walks into the house singing at the top of her lungs. I thought she would die on the spot when she realized Caleb was standing there next to me."

 Polly laughed, eyes crinkling with mirth as she covered her mouth with her hand. You laughed along with her, remembering how your sister squeaked like a mouse before running upstairs and refused to come back down.

 "Hopefully he starts to notice her soon. He can't be more than a year or two older than her. They would be cute together." You said thoughtfully, an idea that had been blooming in your mind for some time. 

 "He'd have to stop only seeing you though."

 You swatted at Polly, even as you rolled your eyes. "I think Tommy likes there is someone always willing to keep an eye on me for him."

 "As long as it's only looking." 

 "I know. I don't…. I don't see him like that."

 Polly grabbed your hand, those dark eyes piercing you with a sense that she knew things that had yet to come to pass. "We know, love. It's obvious when you and Tommy are together. You only see each other."

 Biting your bottom lip, you dropped your gaze to the floor. However much you tried to hide your feelings, they leaked out like spilled paint, coloring all of your interactions whenever Tommy was nearby. Over the past eight months, he managed to slip inside of your chest, wrapping around your heart, and stamping his name on that treacherous organ. 

 Before you could respond, the door separating the betting shop from the Shelby family home opened. Arthur came through with all the subtlety of a charging bull. A wide grin grew on his face as he noticed you amongst the tables. Behind him, Tommy walked through with his typical detached look and peaked cap pulled low over his eyes.  

 "Y/n!" Arthur cheered, bee-lining towards you. "You come to see me?" 

 "Of course. My day isn't complete until I've seen you."

 He chuckled, pressing a kiss to your cheek. You giggled as his mustache tickled your skin. "I always knew I was your favorite….no matter what Tom 'ere claims."

 It was then you turned your attention to Tommy who had followed to stand just behind Polly. His lips twitched at Arthur's comment but otherwise his blank expression never faltered. Concern swelled inside of you like the rising tide. Never before had he sent someone to come get you, especially to bring you to the betting shop. Your thoughts frantically swirled with all the possible, terrible reasons why he needed you now. 

 "Everything alright, Tommy?" You asked quietly, worrying your bottom lip. 

 "Let's speak in my office." 

 "Alright." You pushed off the table, running a hand down your dress nervously and taking a step forward. Immediately, he materialized at your side. Placing his hand on your lower back, he guided you towards his office. 

 As soon as his hand landed on your lower back, your body thrummed with desire. Your stomach flipped and your core clenched. All due just from the simplest of touches from him. It amazed you how strongly your body could react to him, even months after having sex regularly. How instead of that primal desire waning with each passing moon, it only seemed to steadily increase. 

 He opened the door and ushered you inside its confines. You had seen his office a handful of times, but still your eyes were drawn to the organization on his desk, how everything was in its place and in rows, like toy soldiers. You wondered if he learned this regimental organization from the war or it had already been instilled in him prior. He quietly closed the door behind the two of you. To your surprise and further concern, he rapidly drew the blinds, hiding you from the rest of the betting shop. In the small office, only a small electric lamp provided light and the few beams sneaked through the blinds, creating the illusion there was no one else around. That it was only you and Tommy here and now. That the world stopped turning on its axis to give you this moment. 

 "Tommy?" You whispered breathy. 

 Instantly, he turned around and descended on you like a fallen angel, drawing you in with a possessive, bruising kiss like he meant to seal himself onto your soul. 

 And you were more than willing to let him. 

 He backed you up against the edge of his desk, your mouth held hostage by his own. An arm swept away the organization you had just been admiring on his desk, clearing a spot for you. With hurried movements, his hands made quick work to perch you on the edge, slotting himself between your spread legs. 

 "Tommy…." you moaned out his name, as he trailed kisses along your neck. Knocking the peaked cap from his head, your hands instinctively ran through the longer strands of hair on top of his head, pulling him closer. He growled against your skin as your nails lightly scratched the back of his neck. Desire hummed in the air like a living entity, coaxing the liquid fire in both of you to burn hotter. 

 It was not until he shoved your dress up to your hips and started tugging on your knickers that you were able to think through the haze of lust. 

 "I'm not having sex in your office."

 "Are you sure?" He purred, his smooth voice full of wicked intent. A gasp escaped you as his hand began to fondle one of your breasts. To your betrayal, your body arched into his touch, desperate for him. He chuckled, low and husky. "Little dove…."

 "They'll hear us." You tried to reason, however weak the excuse sounded to your own ears.  

 "Let 'em."

 He had confessed to you of his fantasy to have you in his office, to bend you over his desk and make you scream to the heavens above. The idea of it was not unappealing to you, but knowing his aunt and brothers were just on the other side of the door….

 "Tommy, no." You stilled his hands as they methodically worked on you. "Not now."

 He dropped his head onto your shoulder with a low groan. A smile spread over your lips at his exaggerated response. You wrapped your arms around him, pressing a quick kiss to the side of his head in apology. 

 "Why am I here?" 

 "I have something for you." He nipped at your neck playfully before withdrawing to move around his desk and open a drawer. Biting your lip to stifle your giggle, you watched him subtly adjust himself while he moved. With unhurried movements, he drew out an envelope and slid it over the desk to where you were still perched. Immediately after, he sat in his chair, pulling a cigarette out and lighting it. 

 You watched him in his element for a moment. Leaning back in his chair, cigarette between his fingers and an intensely focused look in his eyes, he appeared a man confident and assured, someone ready to rule the world. And for that moment, you wondered if the rest of the world was ready for Thomas Shelby. 

 Shifting your attention, you gently picked up the envelope, only about the size of your hand. There was no writing on it, nothing to give you a hint as to what it could be. Even more surprising was its unexpected weight, clearly more than just a piece of paper. Curiosity made your movements less precise as you swiftly opened it and dumped its contents into your hand. 

 "It's a key." Your eyes flicked to Tommy then back down to the small, brass, skeleton key in your hand. 

 "Hmmm."

 "Why did you give me a key?"

 "To open a door." He answered in a bored tone. 

 You mock glared at him, to which he did not bat an eye, not even a twitch of his lips. His poker face was worthy of an award. When no explanation came from him, your thoughts tousled and tumbled in your mind, trying to figure out the game he was playing. 

 "What door does it open?" You finally asked, turning the key over and over in your hand like it's secrets would be suddenly exposed. 

 "11 Watery Lane."

 All thoughts ceased at this revelation. Your heart skipped a beat at the implication. "Tommy…." You softly murmured.  

 "The kitchen is bigger than what you're used to. Arthur and John will probably fucking demand you bake for them more often…." He continued, ignoring you saying his name. His gaze was solely focused on the far wall as the cigarette sat between his fingers as if forgotten, the end still burning brightly. 

 "Tommy…."

 "....the master bedroom is big enough to fit a full bed. It also gets the morning light which I figured you'd like…."

 "Tommy…."

 "....Polly will be over every day to gossip…."

 "Tommy!" Your shout of his name silenced him, although his gaze never moved from staring at the far wall. The key in your hand suddenly felt heavy with more than just a physical weight. You studied him, thoughts sluggishly reawakening in your mind, the implication and questions rolling around. In a shocked voice just above a whisper, you asked for confirmation, needing to hear it out loud. "You bought a house…."

 "I did." He answered flatly. 

 "For….me?"

 A marked hush hovered in the small office for an endless minute. A deep inhale of the cigarette and exhale from Tommy was all the reaction you received. You watched the smoke glide from his lips, caressing them before drifting upward and dissipating into the heavy air. Heart hammering away in your chest, you dared not say a word. 

 Those crystalized eyes turned, freezing you to your spot yet also melting you with their intensity as they focused on you. "I need to keep an eye on my woman. This seems the easiest way."

 "Your….your woman?" 

 Hastily, he stubbed his only half-used cigarette out, before standing up and coming around the desk to stand between your legs again. An involuntary gulp escaped you as you became spellbound, caught in the maelstrom of his gaze, somewhere both exhilarating and terrifying. 

 "Yes, my woman." He enunciated slowly, splaying a hand on your thigh possessively. "I want you to come work for me. Polly says you used to run the ledgers effortlessly. We all know Arthur is shite at them, yeah? This way you'll be making more than enough to provide for you and your sisters. The house is yours too, you won't have to pay for lodging."

 "Why?" You breathed out, overwhelmed. 

 He tugged your bottom lip from between your teeth, running the pad of his thumb along it before speaking again. "Cos I'm done pretendin' you're just a mistress. We all bloody know it hasn't been that way for months."

 "So….I'm your woman? Like, you're going to take me on a date? The pictures or….or out dancing?"

 "If you'd like."

 "I would." You leaned forward to capture his lips with yours, your hands gripping the lapels of his suit. He set the sluggish pace of the kiss, like you two had all the time in the world. It felt like molasses was being poured into your veins, a slow burning coating you from the inside out, only for him to ignite it with the simplest of touches. 

 Suddenly you jerked your head back, staring at him as your lungs struggled for air. "Is the house because you hate my bed?"

 Rolling his eyes, he scoffed. "Your bed is too fuckin' loud. Can't fuck you properly with you worried you're gonna wake your bloody sisters."

 "Hasn't stopped you before."

 "But then you can't make those noises…."

 You giggled, swatting at his chest, only to be rewarded with one of his tender smiles. "Well, if that's the only reason…."

 You let him draw you into a drugging kiss. Clouds swirled in your brain, replacing anything that was not related to the sensation of Tommy. His hands trailed up your legs, pushing your dress up until your legs and stockings were fully exposed again. 

 "We still aren't fucking in your office." You murmured against his lips. 

 "That's what you think."

 "Y'know, I do have a key now for a house nearby…."

 He hummed, never stopping his ministrations. Those delectable lips shifted to your jawline and down your neck, sending shivers and heat coursing through your body. 

 "Is there a bed yet?" You questioned through the heated haze he was reviving in you. 

 "No."

 "A kitchen table?"

 "No."

 "Kitchen counter?"

 He stopped. Ever so slowly, his head lifted to gaze at you with a look so sensually devious, it made your toes curl in anticipation and left you breathless. 

 "Not so pure are you anymore, little dove, eh?"

 "I see this more as....christening my new home."

 A laugh fell from your mouth as he quickly stepped back, pulling you with him. He snatched up his peaked cap from where you knocked it off prior, barely giving you time to adjust your clothing to hide the evidence of your paused tryst. With his hand on your lower back, he guided you out of his office and through the labyrinth of tables and people. 

 "Oi! Tommy, where you goin'?" Arthur shouted from over by the giant blackboard. 

 "Got an appointment."

 "What kinda fuckin' appointment you got right now?"

 Tommy did not say anything, just waved his elder brother off. The whole time, his hand never left you, both guiding and propelling you forward at a sharp pace. 

 Polly caught your eye as you passed by her. As the heat rose to your cheeks, she tipped her head back and laughed loudly. Her loud exclamation followed the two of you out the door of the betting shop. "In less than one year, there'll be a ring on her finger. I guarantee it."

 The smoggy air of Small Heath greeted you as you stepped onto Watery Lane. You did not say anything, mind reeling with Polly's prediction.

 Tommy directed you to your new home further down the street, his hand still on your lower back. A few people greeted him as they passed by, to which he barely acknowledged. 

 "Mrs. Shelby, eh?"

 Startled, you glanced up, butterflies dancing in your belly. Tommy met your gaze, stoic as ever, but after a moment he gave you a quick wink. You giggled breathlessly, a broad smile on your face, at the weightless feeling inside your chest. When his hand slipped to grab yours, entwining your fingers together and palms flushed against one another, you thought your heart might burst with overwhelming joy. 

 As you finished the walk to 11 Watery Lane, Tommy opened the door for you with a pleased, boyish grin on his lips. You softly thanked him, taking in the view of your new, bare home. Before you could get too far, he locked the door behind you, only to proceed in pressing you up against the wall. His mouth claimed yours like a man drowning and you were his oxygen. His hands deftly worked your dress off your body, your own hands tugging and removing his own attire. 

 "Little dove…." He groaned against your neck, placing open-mouth kisses there. "....my dove…." His hands tightened around your waist, lifting you just high enough for your legs to wrap around his waist and for him to slide inside of you with ease. "....mine." 

 His brutal reputation did not frighten you, nor his far-reaching ambitions. How some cursed his name and called him a blue-eyed devil. The busted knuckles you sometimes noticed he tried to keep hidden from you. Nothing about him made you wary. How could he? For with the way he worshiped your body, the look of contentment and longing in those alluring eyes and the way he uttered your name like you alone were his salvation….you realized you quite liked the idea of being Mrs. Thomas Shelby.